Luis Robert Jr. Hits 500th Career Hit as White Sox Beat Astros in City Connect Debut

It was a night to remember at Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday. Not only did the Chicago White Sox put together one of their strongest team efforts of the season, but Luis Robert Jr. gave fans a milestone moment they won’t forget anytime soon.

Let’s dive into how it all played out in this solid 7-3 win over the Houston Astros.

What made Luis Robert Jr.’s homer so special?

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Luis Robert Jr. stepped into the box and launched a solo home run to right-center field. It wasn’t just any home run—it was his 500th career hit.

Talk about doing it in style.

The blast was Robert’s fifth homer of the season and gave the White Sox a 3-1 lead. That swing not only electrified the crowd, but it also marked a special moment in the 26-year-old’s career.

“He’s been locked in,” said manager Will Venable. “To see him reach 500 hits like that, in a big moment, was just awesome.”

Who else helped power the White Sox to victory?

This win wasn’t just about Robert.

Rookie catcher Edgar Quero had himself a night, too. He picked up two hits and two RBIs, continuing to prove he belongs. Quero got things started early, doubling home Chase Meidroth in the first to give the Sox a 1-0 lead.

Then in the second, Meidroth came back with an RBI single, making it 2-0.

Both young players gave the offense a jolt—and they weren’t done.

How did Jonathan Cannon perform on the mound?

Jonathan Cannon, the right-handed starter, turned in one of the best outings of his young career. He gave up two runs on nine hits over six innings, struck out five, and worked through some trouble in the second inning after two defensive errors gave Houston a big scoring chance.

“That was a gutsy effort,” Venable said. “They could’ve flipped the game right there, but Jonathan stayed composed and kept us in control.”

It wasn’t perfect, but it was gritty. And it was exactly what the team needed.

What happened after Robert’s milestone homer?

Right after Robert went deep to make it 3-1, the Sox kept the pressure on. Edgar Quero added another RBI hit in the same inning to stretch the lead to 4-1.

Houston tried to claw back. They scored in the sixth and eighth innings—Yainer Diaz hit a solo shot off the foul pole—but the White Sox weren’t letting this one slip away.

They broke the game open in the bottom of the eighth.

How did the White Sox seal the win?

It started with JJ Bleday and Bobby Dalbec reaching base. Then Quero and Meidroth stepped up again, each driving in runs. In total, three insurance runs came across in the eighth thanks to some shaky relief pitching by Tayler Scott and Bennett Sousa on the Astros’ side.

Just like that, the Sox turned a close game into a comfortable 7-3 win.

Who took the loss for Houston?

Framber Valdez was tagged with the loss. He gave up four runs on seven hits in five innings. He also walked two and struck out six. It just wasn’t his night.

What’s the story with the new City Connect uniforms?

Friday was also the debut of the White Sox’s new City Connect uniforms—and they were a hit, literally and figuratively. The design is a collaboration with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, marking the first crossover jersey of its kind in baseball.

“They’re awesome,” said Venable. “It’s different, and when you get to rep the city in a new way—especially with the Bulls vibe—it’s special. I grew up a [Michael] Jordan fan, so it hits home.”

The Sox are now 1-0 in the new look. Not a bad way to start.

What’s next for the White Sox?

Now sitting at 9-23 on the season, Chicago will try to win their first home series of 2025 on Saturday. They send Davis Martin to the mound against Houston’s Hunter Brown, who comes in with a 4-1 record and a sharp 1.22 ERA.

It’s a tall task—but if Friday’s performance is any sign, the Sox might be turning a corner.

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